Best-selling author Gil Robertson has signed with Just Us Books – the premiere publisher of Black-interest books for children – to release his debut children’s book, 21st Century African American Political Leaders. Slated for a February 2010 release, the book series will provide children ages 9 – 14, with inspirational biographical sketches on the lives of 24 contemporary African American political leaders.

A respected, veteran A&E journalist, Robertson is the editor of the best-selling 2006 anthology, Not in My Family: AIDS in the African American Community, which was nominated for both a NAACP Image Award and an African American Literary Award in the “Best Non-Fiction” category. His most recent book, Family Affair: What it Means to be African American Today, was released to stellar reviews including a “Pick of the Week” selection from renowned Publisher’s Weekly.

I think that 21st Century African Americans in Politics will fill a void in modern day children books by introducing young people to political leaders, who like President Obama are making new strides in American politics,” says Carolyn L. Garnes, a member of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association and former Chair Coretta Scott Book Award Committee. “There is simply not enough information on the accomplishments and achievement of African Americans in politics, so this project will be a very valuable resource to students and adults.”

From Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick to Newark, NJ Mayor Corey Booker, the series will spotlight the histories of each politician as they make strides in the social and governmental fabric of America. 21st Century African American Political Leaders will cover the early lives and professional accomplishments of these leaders who represent the new vanguard in American politics. The title will also include historical-fact sidebars and a bibliography as an educational supplement.